Chas Anderson, top state GOP House staffer, leaves post

One of the most seasoned and experienced House Republican staffers is leaving her post next month.

House GOP executive director Chas Anderson notified staff on Wednesday that “it is time for me to personally pursue other professional opportunities.”

Anderson did not say what her next move will be, but she has been involved in former GOP House Speaker Kurt Zellers' gubernatorial bid.

“Right now, I’m focused on finding future employment,” Anderson said. “I believe Kurt Zellers would be a fantastic governor and I plan to support him as a volunteer advisor.”

Her last day with the House is Feb. 3.

Anderson has been with the House for seven years, gaining a reputation as a tough, but dogged administrator of the GOP caucus.

Her departure will come less than a month before the upcoming legislative session, a crucial time for Republicans as they try to win back control of the state House.

Anderson played a key role in helping direct former Gov. Tim Pawlenty's win of the Republican endorsement for governor in 2002. She helped lead a brutal floor fight that dragged into the early morning hours.

After his victory, Pawlenty made Anderson an assistant education commissioner, a position she held before moving over to the state House.